Sample a ballet class for free at the Wilmington School of Ballet this weekend.

Paul Stephen

Be it ballroom, ballet or a basic box step, this weekend offers plenty of chances to get out and shake a leg. Instead of the noisy nightclub scene, try any of the following events, which focus on fitness, education or courtship, depending on your tastes.

Zumba Glow Party

Event organizer and instructor Wendy Joyner said Zumba is a “Latin-based dance fitness workout,” and if that doesn't sound exciting enough, just add blacklights. Shake your way to a more fit 2014 while radiating a fascinating fluorescent hue. Joyner said the tunes have an international flair from salsa to hip-hop, and that people of all fitness levels (ages 12 and up) can take something positive from the workout. “You just have to be willing to let your hair down and let the music move you,” Joyner said. $10 advance, $15 door. Email Joyner at wjoyner65@yahoo.com for tickets. 5:30-7 p.m. at Jellybeans Family Skate Center, 5216 Oleander Drive, Wilmington

Azalea Coast USA Dance

The local USA Dance chapter holds regular evenings of ballroom dancing, with group lessons preceding the main event. A partner is not required for the lessons, which are conducted by a professional instructor. Music for the night is a mix of “ballroom smooth” and classy Latin vibes during the open dance hours. $8 members, $10 non-members, $5 with military ID, $3 with student ID. Contact 799-1694 or e-mail AzaleaCoastDance@aol.com for details. 6:45-10 p.m., Senior Resource Center, 2222 S. College Road, Wilmington

'Music, Metal and Dance'

If you're a dance fan but nursing an injury or otherwise unable to make those toes twinkle, there's another option to appreciate the art form. Multimedia artist Doug Walker has an exhibit hanging at the recently opened Luna Caffe that celebrates creative movement. He's etched large photos of dancers printed on sheets of metal into multi-dimensional masterpieces, just the thing to gaze at while sipping an expertly crafted coffee concoction. Visit www.tango88.com for more on Walker. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday at Luna Caffe, 604 Castle St., Wilmington

Wilmington Singles Dance

This Wilmington Singles Club event kicks off with a line-dancing lesson from 7:15-7:45 p.m. followed by three hours of two-stepping tunes. Membership chair Sherry Brunelle said an eclectic mix of ballroom, shag and rock music by DJ Robert Clemmons should provide the right soundtrack for every taste. Dust off your fancy duds; they have a dress code that bans jeans, T-shirts and sneakers. $10 members, $12 guests, all levels welcome. 8-11 p.m. at the American Legion Post 10, 702 Pine Grove Drive, Wilmington

Free Day of Dance

Not sure which style fits you best? The Wilmington School of Ballet and Cape Fear Dance Theatre have a full slate of free classes on Saturday, including sessions in ballet, hip-hop/jazz/funk, tap, contemporary and “physical theater” tailored to dancers wanting to add acting to their repertoire. The all-ages event is open to the public (with a waiver, of course), and even includes an acrobatics session for kids aged 8-12. Visit CapeFearDanceTheatre.com for the full schedule or call 794-9590 for more information. 1-6 p.m., Wilmington School of Ballet, 3834 Oleander Drive, Wilmington

<p>Plenty of experts agree: Excluding the clumsily stomped toes, knocked elbows and occasional twisted knee, the health benefits of dance are undeniable. Studies have shown everything from weight loss, memory improvement, stress and depression reduction, and cardiovascular benefits to be gleaned from cutting a rug.</p><p>Be it ballroom, ballet or a basic box step, this weekend offers plenty of chances to get out and shake a leg. Instead of the noisy nightclub scene, try any of the following events, which focus on fitness, education or courtship, depending on your tastes. </p><p><b>Zumba Glow Party</b></p><p>Event organizer and instructor Wendy Joyner said Zumba is a “Latin-based dance fitness workout,” and if that doesn't sound exciting enough, just add blacklights. Shake your way to a more fit 2014 while radiating a fascinating fluorescent hue. Joyner said the tunes have an international flair from salsa to hip-hop, and that people of all fitness levels (ages 12 and up) can take something positive from the workout. “You just have to be willing to let your hair down and let the music move you,” Joyner said. $10 advance, $15 door. Email Joyner at wjoyner65@yahoo.com for tickets. 5:30-7 p.m. at Jellybeans Family Skate Center, 5216 Oleander Drive, Wilmington</p><p><b>Azalea Coast USA Dance</b></p><p>The local USA Dance chapter holds regular evenings of ballroom dancing, with group lessons preceding the main event. A partner is not required for the lessons, which are conducted by a professional instructor. Music for the night is a mix of “ballroom smooth” and classy Latin vibes during the open dance hours. $8 members, $10 non-members, $5 with military ID, $3 with student ID. Contact 799-1694 or e-mail AzaleaCoastDance@aol.com for details. 6:45-10 p.m., Senior Resource Center, 2222 S. College Road, Wilmington </p><p><b>'Music, Metal and Dance'</b></p><p>If you're a dance fan but nursing an injury or otherwise unable to make those toes twinkle, there's another option to appreciate the art form. Multimedia artist Doug Walker has an exhibit hanging at the recently opened Luna Caffe that celebrates creative movement. He's etched large photos of dancers printed on sheets of metal into multi-dimensional masterpieces, just the thing to gaze at while sipping an expertly crafted coffee concoction. Visit www.tango88.com for more on Walker. 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday at Luna Caffe, 604 Castle St., Wilmington</p><p><b>Wilmington Singles Dance</b></p><p>This Wilmington Singles Club event kicks off with a line-dancing lesson from 7:15-7:45 p.m. followed by three hours of two-stepping tunes. Membership chair Sherry Brunelle said an eclectic mix of ballroom, shag and rock music by DJ Robert Clemmons should provide the right soundtrack for every taste. Dust off your fancy duds; they have a dress code that bans jeans, T-shirts and sneakers. $10 members, $12 guests, all levels welcome. 8-11 p.m. at the American Legion Post 10, 702 Pine Grove Drive, Wilmington</p><p><b>Free Day of Dance</b></p><p>Not sure which style fits you best? The Wilmington School of Ballet and Cape Fear Dance Theatre have a full slate of free classes on Saturday, including sessions in ballet, hip-hop/jazz/funk, tap, contemporary and “physical theater” tailored to dancers wanting to add acting to their repertoire. The all-ages event is open to the public (with a waiver, of course), and even includes an acrobatics session for kids aged 8-12. Visit CapeFearDanceTheatre.com for the full schedule or call 794-9590 for more information. 1-6 p.m., Wilmington School of Ballet, 3834 Oleander Drive, Wilmington</p>